No abstract

Highlights Portuguese children (boys and girls) outperformed U.S. children in the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test; additionally, Portuguese boys displayed better performance in the standing long jump. Portuguese children demonstrated lower levels of handgrip strength and throwing speed than U.S. children. There were no differences in kicking speed between boys from the 2 countries; however, the older group of U.S. girls demonstrated better performance than Portuguese girls. Physical education curricula and sports participation may explain the differences between the countries.

The relationship between physical fitness and health in adults is well established, yet until recently, empirical support for the impact of physical fitness levels on health markers in children has not been thoroughly documented. The aim of this review was to provide a summary of current literature that has examined the linkage between measures of health-related physical fitness (ie, cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, flexibility, and body composition) and health markers in youth. Specifically, this review focused on the findings from the recent 2012 Institutes of Medicine report on Fitness Measures in Youth as well as other subsequent review articles related to the topic. In addition, recommendations for health-related fitness assessments in youth populations are presented.

This paper examined relationships between qualitative (developmental sequences) and quantitative (time) performance in rising from a supine position in early childhood. One hundred twenty two children ranging in age from 3 to 5 years were videotaped for five trials of rising from a supine position. Children’s performance on the supine-to-stand (STS) task was quite variable in terms of both qualitative movement patterns and time (mean = 2.37 s, SD = .60). Results: Component sequences were moderately to strongly correlated with each other (r = .387 to .791). Upper-extremity (r = –.383) and axial (r = –.416) component levels also were inversely correlated with STS time. Results indicated a strong coordinative link between the development of trunk control (i.e., axial movement) and upper-extremity movement levels (r = .791), and together they demonstrated the strongest impact on the ability to rise quickly. These data provide important information relating to a child’s motor development that may have clinical relevance for diagnosis. It provides also a greater understanding on how to improve performance on this task. Future research should examine qualitative and quantitative aspects of STS performance to understand its predictive utility as a lifespan assessment of motor competence and its potential importance as a measure to predict healthrelated variables and functional capability across the lifespan.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine preservice physical education teachers’ (PPET) service learning experiences planning and implementing course assignments aligned with comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) recommendations.Methods:Based on service learning principles, PPETs (N = 18) enrolled in a physical education methods class planned, implemented, and reflected on physical activity promotion events before, during, and after school for youth, staff, and parents. Data sources included focus group interviews, written reflections, field notes, and artifacts. Constant comparison techniques and triangulation guided data analysis and interpretation to identify overarching themes describing the PPETs’ successes, challenges, and lessons learned.Results:Four themes were identified: (a) outcomes with youth, parents, and staff, (b) communication, (c) planning and preparation, and (d) priorities and possibilities.Discussion/Conclusion:This study provides insight into the feasibility and outcomes of CSPAP-related service learning for PPETs, and uncovers promising aspects as well as potential issues with CSPAP implementation.